Emergency communication and navigation: radio, offline maps, walkie-talkies
Radio, offline maps and contact without the network. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone app and works without internet.
Communication
- A battery or wind-up radio is the most reliable source of official announcements. Find out which frequency your regional station uses.
- A charged phone, power bank and matching cables. Switch on battery saver.
- Walkie-talkies (PMR446) or CB radio for short-range contact with family and neighbours.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone. In the EU, cell broadcast alerts reach phones in the affected area automatically.
Navigation
- A paper map of your area or a road atlas. GPS may not work.
- Download offline maps on your phone in advance.
- A compass, and knowing how to find direction. Without a compass: at midday the sun is roughly in the south.
- Mark family meeting places, shelters, hospitals and help points on the map.
Beware of disinformation
- Check news against official sources: government websites, official alerts and public radio.
- Don't forward unverified information, especially about evacuations and threats.
Watch out
- In a crisis, keep mobile calls to what matters most. The network is needed by emergency services.
See also
Frequently asked questions
What radio should I have for emergencies?
A battery or wind-up radio that receives FM and your regional station. It is the most reliable source of announcements when the internet is down.
How do I navigate without GPS?
With a paper map and compass. Download offline maps in advance, as there may be no network in a crisis.
How can I contact family without the network?
With PMR446 walkie-talkies over short distances and, above all, through meeting places and times agreed in advance.
Keep it on your phone
SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.
Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.
Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.
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- 🧰 Tools and equipment for a crisis
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Sources
- Safety Handbook 2025, Polish Government (PDF, English)
- Polish government Safety Handbook 2025 (PDF, Polish): transport, radio and maps p. 16
- BBK (Germany): staying informed in a crisis
- Government Centre for Security (Poland)
Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-23.
General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.